A bit about me...

Since 1991, I have lived "inside the Beltway" with my Swissies.My dogs live in my home as family members, not in a kennel as "breeding stock". Although I do breed my dogs occasionally, Id prefer to think of myself as a Swissy preservationist, since my reason for breeding is to preserve and protect the historical essence of the breed rather than to fill a demand for puppies.Unlike so many breeders, I did not grow up showing or breeding dogs. It has never been a business for me.I have been obsessed with animals since I was a child and I spent much of my youth showing horses. My interest and involvement with conservation, especially captive breeding of endangered species, was a natural segue to my involvement with the GSMD.I studied zoology and worked on a number of endangered species conservation projects ranging from captive breeding research of the Black Footed Ferret here in the USA to photographing rhinos for a census in SE Asia , which is where I also began working as a freelance photographer.When I bought a house after years of apartment living , I knew it wouldn't feel like Home without a dog.

It was during my research of Bernese Mountain Dogs that I learned about the Greater Swiss which at the time was a rare breed, not yet AKC recognized. I considered this a plus since it meant the breed had not been exposed to the fallout of instant popularity syndrome which usually accompanies AKC recognition. Little did I know at the time that recognition for the GSMD was only a few years away.I had no plans to show or breed when I got my first Swissy but one particular like-minded Swissy owner, Sheryl Mayhew -- the closest thing I had to a mentor in the breed, encouraged me to put my experience with horses and background in conservation to use toward helping preserve the GSMD. Looking back, I feel so fortunate to have gotten involved with the GSMD when I did as it offered me the opportunity not only to meet but spend time with so many of the "old timers" -- Howard Summons, Terri Mehle, Margaret Poole, and Bill and Jeanette Faure, just to name a few. Their passion for the breed and concern about fallout from imminent popularity (and overbreeding) that would inevitably come with AKC recognition was what motivated me to get involved with the National club and fueled my dedication to strengthening breeder guidelines and promoting buyer and breeder education during the 13 years I served on the Board of the National Club. I find it unfortunate that much of the breed education work that was approved during my tenure has been deleted from the Club website and the strong breeder guidelines which were approved during those years have been reduced to an unenforceable and therefore, meaningless document. The concerns of the old timers have unfortunately proved a reality as popularity of the GSMD has created fallout in the form of more backyard breeders and more GSMD showing up in Shelters and Rescue.Although I am disappointed at the direction the club has taken with regard to breeder , I choose to focus on the fun of showing and occasionally breeding my dogs and the time spent with the many wonderful friends I have met through my Swissies over the years. My priorities regarding the Breed will always remain the same. I will continue to provide honest information about all aspects of the breed and encourage transparency and communication particularly about health issues, between owners, breeders and the public in order to protect and preserve this breed I so love. ​************************

I spend as much time as possible in remote parts of the world, particularly Africa where I am actively involved as an impact investor in projects involving innovative technology to further wildlife conservation and human wildlife conflict resolution.I continue to integrate my presence on social media with my wildlife photography to raise awareness about the poaching crisis, wildlife trafficking, human-wildlife conflict, and the devastation being caused by palm oil development in the world's most bio-diverse regions. Saving elephants and other threatened species continues to be my greatest passion along with my beloved Swissies. I currently work with/support the following organizations:

( Please visit the websites to learn more about the great work they are doing to protect disappearing wildlife and habitat on our beautiful planet I hope it will encourage you to join me by contributing to their efforts and thus becoming part of the solution)​

It is easy to become saddened, angry and cynical when faced with daily news about the horrors of elephant poaching and the current state of the environment.Dogs have a special sense for offering solace at such times. They remind us every day of the advantages of living in the moment. My Swissies have not only filled my life with unconditional love but have also brought so many friends into my life -- friends I may not have met otherwise. It is for these reasons that I feel so passionately about protecting the future of the breed, its health, historical breed type and overall welfare, so others may enjoy the same connection with Swissies as has been my privilege.

Achievements

I have bred thirty- four AKC Champions (nine of which are co bred. My stud dogs have sired over fifty AKC Champions as well as multiple obedience and working titles)

I wrote the GSMDCA Guide for Prospective Owners and New Puppy Buyers (back before websites existed) and compiled other Breed Education materials for the club including a comprehensive Health database where clearances (OFA, PennHip, GDC and CERF) for any GSMD could be found on the same site. This was years before the OFA site included CERF, PennHip and GDC information.

I served as an Officer on the GSMDCA Board for 13 years and was elected and served from 2005-2007 as GSMDCA President.

I chaired the Standard Revision in 2003 and served as the Breed Study Coordinator/ Judges Education Chair from 2000-2006 during which time we produced the Illustrated Breed Standard and Judges Education information which is currently printed and used by AKC judges.

I was on the 2005 National Specialty Committee and served as the Trophy Chair and organized the Herding tests.

2002 - I was honored with the Friend of the Swissy Award for my contributions to breed education, specifically the Health Database.

2004 - I was honored with the Margaret Poole Lifetime Achievement Award for exemplary service to the GSMDCA

I have been involved with a number of Regional Clubs over the years and have stewarded at shows through the Mid Atlantic Steward Association.

I have acted as an approved Mentor for AKC judges seeking approval to judge the GSMD

I have completed all the requirements to apply to AKC to judge the GSMD. However, I have chosen not to apply for my judging license since I enjoy showing my own dogs and do not wish to be caught up in the politics that would inevitably arise if I were approved as a judge and continued to show my own dogs.

From 2007 to 2014 I served as a trustee with the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Rescue Foundation.

Breeding Philosophy

My priority as a breeder is to perpetuate and improve on the traits that first attracted me to the GSMD -- the solid look and character of the all purpose working farm dog -- the Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund-- as described in the Breed Standard of its country of origin.

Breeding for me is a hobby, not my livelihood. I breed for quality not quantity. Therefore I only have puppies occasionally and most of the time I end up referring prospective buyers to other hobby breeders who share the same philosophy.

I will continue to do everything in my power to reduce the risk of health problems in my breedings but I know that even if I am careful, the unexpected can happen. I have gone through heartache with my own dogs. I know all too well the helpless feeling that comes from watching a beloved companion struggle with a serious health problem but I never blamed the breeder(s) for health problems my dogs developed . However, I certainly felt disappointment and resentment if they didn't bother to return my calls when all I wanted from them was moral support and advice.

For me, breeding is not just about the brief time I have with the puppies. The most important job begins the day the puppies leave my home after nine weeks to be with their new families. That is the day I become their new owners' lifeline - -- a job I am committed to for the lifetime of each puppy I breed. I know that when something goes terribly wrong, an owner isn't usually looking for someone to blame but someone who will listen, empathize and advise. I have been there for my puppy buyers during such times and although it is certainly never easy, its an important part of being a responsible breeder.The fact is, breeders who crank out many litters a year (which may add up to dozens of puppies) cant possibly keep track of all their puppies or be there to give meaningful support to the owners when they need it most.By breeding only occasionally, I can promise my puppy owners that I will always be available when they need me. I dread those phone calls which bring bad news but it is one of the unfortunate costs among the many joys that come with being a Swissy breeder.

The primary goal in my breeding program is to breed outstanding Swissies both in breed type, temperament and health and to improve on the parents of each litter I produce. I only breed GSMD which have passed their health clearances, have sound temperaments and have earned AKC/FCI conformation Championship, Obedience or Working titles. I continue to study all aspects o the Breed -- pedigrees, and specific traits and problems in various lines so as to improve on structure and breed type, reduce health risks and maximize the potential of each litter I produce. I have traveled to Europe where I spent time with breeders in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland . Not only did I meet up with a lot of new friends in the Swissy community (see Jotunheim Family and Friends ) but I also had the opportunity to see many European dogs from different pedigrees and was able to learn a lot about breeding practices in the different countries.I have become increasingly concerned in recent years by the loss of what I refer to as "historical breed type" in GSMD seen in show rings in the USA. Although there are plenty of lovely examples of the GSMD breed in the USA, there is an alarming abundance of dogs who only resemble a Swissy by virtue of being tri- colored. If the color/ markings were taken away, many of these dogs would be indistinguishable from a hound or sporting breed with little to no resemblance to their GSMD relatives in Switzerland <and other parts of Europe>This trend, which exists in all breeds to some extent, is the result of unscrupulous breeding practices which put profit over everything else. When breeding is motivated by profit, it is the dogs who suffer the consequences as evidenced by the abundance of dogs showing up in Rescue every day.As long as breeding is not regulated in the USA and parent Clubs have no meaningful guidelines or strong mentorship, there will continue to be an abundance of substandard dogs being bred and placed in homes who may not be equipped for the responsibility of dog ownership.

Although breeding to improve on physical traits as defined in the Breed Standard should be the primary goal of any breeder, there is one trait that is universally important to all owners, regardless of breed , and that is asound temperament. Health problems are difficult to live with but most can be treated with a trip to the vet. Even the most serious health problems like epilepsy can often be controlled with medication. Few dedicated owners would give up their dog because of a basic health problem. Temperament, however, is the number one reason dogs, including Swissies, end up in rescue situations. No one wants to live with a dog they cant trust with other people, especially their children. No one wants a dog they have to put away when company arrives or a dog they cant take with them on outings because it cant be trusted to behave. As a city dweller myself, I understand how important it is not only to have Swissies I can trust with anyone who visits my home but Swissies I can take everywhere, be it the local café, park, political rally or even a Presidential Inauguration!Therefore, socializing my puppies from the time they are a few days old, educating and carefully screening all prospective owners is all I can do to ensure each puppy I breed ends up in a FOREVER home. However, I can only do so much as a breeder. I will provide honest information about the breed, transparency about my dogs and any health concerns in their lines and I will be selective in my practices to reduce the risks of health problems.Once the puppies leave my home, however, it is up to the new owners to follow my advice and build on the foundation I laid in the first nine weeks.This is where my passion for breed education enters the picture and the main reason for this website.Not everyone is suited for the challenges of Swissy ownership and sadly, many Swissies end up in Rescue simply because their owners didnt bother educating themselves about the breed before rushing to get a puppy. So, if you are reading this and you think you want a Swissy, take your time and get the facts. Responsible breeders can only do so much.Please do your part to protect the GSMD Breed by making an educated decision.

My practices will always be grounded in efforts to protect and preserve the GSMD breed type, health and working heritage. As long as I am breeding these dogs, I will be dedicated to keeping the "historical" breed type alive while making my best effort to improve on structure, health and solid character -- all the traits which I can only hope will combine to make each one of my puppies someone's special "Dog of a Lifetime".--- Lori Price, Jotunheim Great Swiss

What Matters to Me

Although breeding GSMD is a hobby I have enjoyed immensely for almost 20 years, I will always feel pangs of conflict about breeding knowing how many amazing animals are surrendered to and euthanized at shelters every day - primarily the result of profit motivated breeding practices. I also know that if I had never bred a litter or if I stopped breeding today, it would make no difference to the plight of shelter dogs. Despite the availability of wonderful dogs at shelters/ rescue organizations, there will always be those who are attracted to a particular breed and are faced with the daunting task of finding a breeder who will put the breed before the greed. If all the true hobby breeders stopped breeding, all that would remain would be those breeding for profit -- a worse case scenario for everyone especially the dogs. Breeding has never been my livelihood. I do not have puppies often and when I do, I have a number of homes already lined up. Since I may only have one litter a year, I will more often than not end up referring interested parties to the handful of fellow hobby breeders whose goals and practices mirror mine.I do not breed to fill a demand for puppies. My dogs are family members who live in my home, not out in a kennel. I breed for myself and I strive to produce puppies who will not only be great examples of the breed but also loving family companions, regardless of whether they are sold as show prospects or pets.My goal has always been to perpetuate the breed traits which first attracted me to the GSMD -- the size and substance of the "large powerful working dog" as described in the Standard of the country of origin, as well as improving health and longevity. I am deeply concerned about the toll for -profit breeding has taken on breed type in the USA. Currently there is an alarming abundance of GSMD which only resemble their European counterparts by virtue of being tri-colored. If the coloring were taken away, they would look more like hounds or sporting dogs than the "Large Powerful Working Dog" described in the GSMD Breed Standard. As long as I am breeding GSMD, I will strive to breed dogs who would be evaluated as exceptional examples of the breed in Europe, where passing a breeding evaluation or getting a conformation championship requires more than just pretty side gait and level top line - -traits that can be found on any number of mixed breed shelter dogs - traits which alone, do not define the GSMD or any breed for that matter. After over 2 decades in the breed, I have learned that even when you do your best to reduce the risk of problems, things can go terribly wrong. No breeder likes getting those phone calls from puppy owners telling them their dog is having seizures or other problem. I have been there as an owner and I know first hand that having a dog with a problem is bad enough but having a breeder who is available for the good news but conveniently absent for the bad, is far worse. Though most would agree that unscrupulous breeders are the root cause of exploding shelter populations, careless buyers are also to blame. Having served as a Trustee for Swissy Rescue for seven years ( 2007-2014) I know all too well how many Swissies are given up by owners whose reasons are sufficient evidence that they didn't bother to take the time to learn the FACTS about the breed before rushing to get a puppy. As Breeders or Buyers, we must ALL take responsibility for the consequences of our actions.Protecting and preserving this wonderful breed is up to all of us. That is what matters to me.

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